Heavy voter turnout expected

Voters should expect to find long lines at Barry County's polling places when they make a trip to the polls to cast their ballot in Tuesday's general election.

The presidential election between John McCain and Barack Obama takes top billing but local voters will also have an opportunity to vote for county officeholders.

The ballot features three contested races for sheriff, northern commissioner and southern commissioner.

Incumbent Sheriff Mick Epperly, a Republican, is seeking his fourth term in office. He is being challenged by Democrat candidate Randall Munday and Independent candidate Steve McClure.

In the race for southern commissioner, one-term incumbent Eddie Davison, a Republican, is facing off against Democrat challenger Wayne Hendrix.

The position of Barry County's northern commissioner will also be decided Tuesday. Republican incumbent Frank Washburn, who is seeking his second term in office, is facing competition from Democrat Georgia Longley-Wenell.

Republicans Sherry Smith Reynolds, Barbara White and Jim Fohn are running unopposed for the respective offices of assessor, public administrator and coroner.

Barry County voters will also be selecting members to serve on the 911 Emergency Services Board.

In the northern district, voters will select two board members from a choice of three. Candidates include incumbents Harold Schelin and Bob Lombard and challenger Mike Redshaw.

In addition to local races, voters will be deciding state races for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer and attorney general as well as choosing candidates for U.S. representative, state representative and state senate.

The complete Nov. 4 general election ballot, as well as a list of county polling places, can be found on page 23 of this week's issue of the Cassville Democrat.

Barry County Clerk Gary Youngblood reminds area voters to bring one form of identification with them when they come to vote. This identification can include a drivers license or voter registration card.

The polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Absentee voting will continue at the clerk's office until 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3. The clerk's office will also be open on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to noon for those who wish to vote absentee. For more information, call 847-2762.